Indonesian scholar calls for Afghan ceasefire

KABUL (Pajhwok): A top Indonesian scholar has underlined the imperative of a ceasefire between the warring parties in Afghanistan.

Jusuf Kalla, chairman of the Muhammadiyah Ulema Organisation, said the continuation of violence in an Islamic society raised questions about the peace process.

Kalla, a former vice-president of Indonesia, met Masoom Stanikzai, head of the Afghan Republic’s negotiating team, and members of his delegation in Doha on Sunday.

Kalla hoped the two negotiating parties would deliver peace and security through a ceasefire and constructive dialogue.

Stanikzai called a ceasefire and effective negotiations the priorities of the Afghan government’s delegation for talks with the Taliban.

He commended Indonesia’s constructive role in the peace talks and stressed its continued cooperation with Afghan peace efforts.

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